Colombia – Travel Guide
Colombia, a land of breathtaking diversity and boundless energy, captivates with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the lush greenery of the Amazon rainforest to the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains, Colombia’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Bustling cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena pulse with life, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences, from colorful street art to lively salsa dancing. Colombian cuisine delights the senses with flavors as diverse as the country itself, from savory arepas to aromatic coffee. Colombia shines as a beacon of resilience and optimism, inviting visitors to discover its endless wonders.
All about Colombia
Colombia FAQ
What is Colombia known for?
Often times, people associate Colombia with drug wars and gangster, but cast these outdated ideas aside. You`ll find today that the nation is moving forward into a more confident and more peaceful and prosperous future. The land of the country boasts many beautiful contrasts, from the capped Andean peaks, tropical Amazonian jungles to the tranquil Caribbean coasts and beautiful warm deserts. It is also famous for the mines of Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuex located in the Andes Mountains. These region produces the world`s finest Emeralds. Colombia boasts a rich cultural history, Biodiversity and heritage. It is the the 2nd country for the highest biodiversity in the world.
Colombia is also associated with its coffee, being the fourth-largest producer of coffee in the world. When you here of famous people from Colombia, singer Shakira and actress Sofia Vergara are the first names that come to mind. Escobar, another name associated with Colombia, is the surname for the infamous Pablo, Medellin`s former drug lord, where today, you can take guided tours of Escobar`s Medellin. The country is also known for its love for dance, music and entertainment, supported by their diverse tradition in the arts. Above all else, the famous Colombian hospitality is what makes this country shine!
What are the best places to visit in Colombia?
Colombia offers a wide variety of interesting things to do and beautiful places to see. For history, explore the narrow streets of South America`s original capital in Bogota, check out the old Spanish colonial provincial retreats such as Villa de Leyva, explore the oldest colonial city of Santa Marta and its charming port with bountiful beaches, and walk the walls of Cartagena`s on Colombia`s Caribbean coast.
For nightlife, vivacious Cali is today`s capital of salsa, claiming that competitive distinction over Colombia`s other hot big-city party scenes, which keep the music going long into the wee hours of the night. The chic cosmopolitan city of Barranquilla lies on the banks of the majestic Magdalena River and the hipsters` playground around the El Poblado neighborhood in Medellin downtown.
How many days should I spend in Colombia?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Colombia?
Colombia`s generally reliable and numerous buses are your best bet for intercity travel, though increased competition between domestic airlines means that air travel is frequently only slightly more expensive than travel by bus and far faster and more comfortable. Read more about getting around Colombia:
By Car: There are several toll motorways throughout the country, though narrower and less well-maintained tracks become more frequent when traveling to smaller destinations.
The major international rental car companies have offices and can arrange for vehicle pick-ups at the airport, but driving in cities is not recommended. Most companies require you to be 25 or over; some allow drivers over 21 but they are subject to a surcharge.
By Taxi: There are plenty of taxis in the big cities, and they are reasonably cheap. They are also considered fairly safe to hail in the street. You may get charged a bit more for being a tourist; in Bogota, Cali and Medellin they have meters, but in smaller places you have to negotiate the price. Drivers are generally not tipped.
By Bike: Cycling is extremely popular in Colombia and hter are all sorts of routes throughout the country, including cross-country missions, several day-long expeditions, mountain bike routes and city cycling. Some hotels and hostels in coastal cities and a few in Bogota lend out or rent bikes to guests.
Urban Travel: Bogota`s bus service, TransMilenio, is the most efficient way to travel around the capital. There are also buseta (shared taxis) which are not expensive and stop on demand. Medellin, Colombiea`s second largest city, has a metro train service and cable-car lines to hillside suburbs. Traveling on public transport in Colombia is safer than expected, but you should always use precaution.
By Air: There is an excellent internal air network connecting major cities, including those in the Caribbean coastal area. There are also local helicopter flights. Flights between the mainland and the islands of San Andres and Providencia operate from most major Colombian cities.
Some areas have no road access, such as the Amazon River border town of Leticia which must be accessed by air. Other areas have road routes but a flight is far more expedient and not too expensive.
What is the currency of Colombia?
US dollars and credit cards are not accepted at most stores or restaurants. ATMs are available in mst cities. The currency used locally is the Colombian Peso. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Colombian Pesos upon arrival.
Do people speak English in Colombia?
Spanish is the most popular language spoken in Colombia, and is spoken by more than 99% of Colombians. However, the Spanish language spoken in Colombia, known as the Colombian Spanish, varies from the traditional Spanish language spoken in Spain and other Spanish-speaking nations.
English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest you get a good English-Spanish guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Colombia
Colombia is situated near the equator which brings a tropical climate with relatively constant climatic conditions throughout the year. However, the climate does differ across the country due to the variation in topography with tropical rainforests, mountains and savanna all found in Colombia.
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The best time for the country as a whole is between December and March as it rains the least during these months, especially in the Andean regions. This is Colombia`s peak tourist season and prices are at their highest as well. The rainy season hits the Andes between May to July and October to December when heavy rains can fall on a daily basis though they`re usually followed by clear skies and sunshine. Elsewhere, the Caribbean coast experiences its heaviest rainfall in September and October, and is relatively dry for the rest of the year while the lowlands experience little variation with a tropical climate.
Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout Colombia for much of the year, which makes it a year-round destination. Changes in temperature and rainfall are determined more by region rather than season and it`s best to pack for all weather conditions.
Tipping in Colombia
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Colombia
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Colombian Pesos?
The currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso and US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Pesos upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in rural areas of Colombia you will find it useful to always keep cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In most restaurants in Colombia there is a 10 percent voluntary (Propina Voluntaria). Most people pay it, but it is not required. In some of the finer restaurants, a 15 percent propina voluntaria is added. Always check your bill before tipping and if your service is excellent, feel free to add an additional tip. If you aren`t satisfied with the service, you can forgo a tip altogether. Bartenders customarily receive a tip equivalent to about 50 cents to $1 per drink.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping in hotels in Colombia is rarely expected except in cases of exemplary service or if you solicit special services. The most commonly tipped employees are the Porters and Housekeeping. If a Porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is the equivalent of 1 or 2 dollars per bag, usually no more than 3 Dollars total. It is customary to leave the equivalent of 1 or 2 dollars per day for housekeeping. Other hotel services are tipped depending on the service provided.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping cab drivers is unusual, but appreciated, especially if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful info about getting around. A taxi driver is only tipped for exemplary service or if you hire them for multiple days (the equivalent of about 5 dollars per day). If it is around Christmas or New Year`s Day, a tip is very much appreciated. Needless to say, if your driver was rude or took you on an out of the way route to hike up the fare, do not leave a tip. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping tour guides is very much appreciated but not expected. Common practice is in the range of 5-10 percent per person, per day depending on the quality of service. If a tour guide is particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra if you wish!
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?
Street Performers: Here is one place to splurge a bit. Though you may not actively solicit entertainment from musicians, mimes, artists, and the like, it is polite to tip them if you have enjoyed their trade. These people live off the money they make bringing their talent to the streets of Bogota, Santiago de Cali, Medellin or Barranquilla. Take some of what you would have left your waitress in the restaurant and give it to one of these artists!
Other Services: In the event that you are in Colombia for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, graduation gift, birthday, etc..) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, party planner, personal shopper, tailor or spa services and the like, use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay in the 10% range.
Final Thoughts
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S. the expectations for tipping are lower in Colombia than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top cities in Colombia
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What to expect while traveling
